Category: lawlibrary

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lawlibrary

What’s new…

New editions have arrived at the Anne Arundel County Public law Library!

The library has added new editions on the shelf from LexisNexis and Thomson Reuters, and the MSBA.

LexisNexis Practice Guide: Maryland Environmental Law– 2025 Edition

LexisNexis Practice Guide: Maryland Environmental Law -This guide was designed to address regulatory provisions related to programs overseen by the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It examines rule making, permitting and enforcement issues. This guide includes summaries of certain significant federal environmental laws implemented by the State of Maryland, such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. The guide also addresses areas where the State environmental laws are implemented primarily at the local level.

Chapters discuss the following:
•  air quality,
•  water quality,
•  wetlands,
•  solid waste and sewage disposal,
•  hazardous waste,
•  land remediation,
•  oil control and storage tank management,
•  Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bay issues and
•  natural resource issues.

In addition to discussion of the specific laws and regulations and their implementation, the guide includes over 250 practice tips (strategic points, timing, warnings and exceptions).

Call No.: KFM 1554 A.15 2025

The following titles are also available:

Maryland Motor Vehicle Insurance, 2026 Edition

Maryland Motor Vehicle Insurance, provides and in-depth analysis on Maryland’s statutory law and the state’s insurance program.

Call No.: KFM 1391 .A4 J34 2026

Maryland Civil Procedure forms (Vols. 3 and 4, Maryland Practice Series), 2025-2026 Edition

Maryland Civil Procedure forms, contains more than 1,000 letters, motions, pleadings, briefs, orders, affidavits, as well as practice tips. It offers valuable insights for adapting the forms for individual use, and provides important information on the proper use and timing of the specific form. It also cross-references to other publications when relevant to the use or drafting of a form.

Call No.: KFM 1730 .A65 L5 2025-2026

From Maryland State Bar Association:

Legal Representation and Fee Agreements for the Maryland Lawyer: Forms and Comments, 3rd Edition

Legal Representation and Fee Agreements for the Maryland Lawyer: Forms and Comments provides attorneys with practical tools for structuring attorney-client relationships through clear, authoritative forms and commentary.

Call No:

KFM 1277.5 .F4 B36 2025

Key Features of the Third Edition:

  • Comprehensive Modernization: This edition incorporates extensive updates to reflect the renumbered, restructured, and revised Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct. This ensures all forms, clauses, and discussions align with current professional standards.
  • New Trust Account Rules: The book addresses the significant July 1, 2025, amendments to Rule 19-301.15(c) and the updated IOLTA compliance provisions in Rule 19-411.
  • Updated Case Law: The publication includes recent case law from the Maryland Supreme Court and Appellate Court concerning fee agreements, co-counsel arrangements, and related ethical obligations.
  • Practical Guidance: The book provides a wide array of forms for various billing methods, including:
    • Hourly Rate (single, discounted, and blended )
    • Fixed and Flat Rates
    • Capped Fees
    • Contingency and Modified Contingency
    • Hybrid Arrangements
    • Pro Bono and Reduced Fee Programs
    • Traffic, Criminal, and Family Law cases
  • Ethical Considerations: Commentary throughout the book highlights critical ethical considerations, such as conflicts of interest, attorney liens, and fee-sharing with other lawyers. It also includes sample declination letters and guidance on avoiding malpractice claims.

Maryland Criminal Pattern Jury Instructions, 3rd Edition (2025)

The Maryland Criminal Pattern Jury Instructions, 2025 Update, “contains more than 200 jury instructions accompanied by comprehensive comments explaining the appropriate constitutional, statutory, court rule, and case authority supporting the instruction”. It includes instructions on specific criminal offenses, as well as introductory and cautionary instructions, general instructions, evidentiary instructions, and instructions on defenses, parties, and verdict sheets.

Call No.: KFM 1783 .M3 2025

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lawlibrary Maryland Law

New Maryland Laws Effective October 1, 2025

New Maryland laws took effect on October 1, 2025!  To find out about the laws resulting from the 2025 session, check out this list of new laws on the General Assembly of Maryland website. In addition, by using the link for specific legislation, you can view documents at the “Witness List” link for each bill that argue for and against that legislation. To view the recorded testimony, look for the video icon. Another source for a full listing of new laws effective October 1, 2025, is the List of Laws effective on October 1, 2025, published by the Department of Legislative Services (DLS).

The 90 Day Report – A Review of the 2025 Session published by the Department of Legislative Services of the General Assembly of Maryland provides a great overview and discussion of laws passed during the 2025 legislative session as does this Maryland State Bar Association summary of new laws of interest to its members.

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lawlibrary

What’s New…

New editions have arrived at the Anne Arundel County Public Law Library!

The library has added new editions on the shelf from the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA), and Thomson Reuters.

Consumer Credit Regulation, 2025 Edition

This new edition, written and compiled by experts in consumer law, includes topics concerning credit cards, payday loans, auto finance, and other non-mortgage credit issues. It is an amalgamation consisting of chapters on what is interest, what is a loan, and credit math, how to litigate predatory lending cases, and includes summaries regarding lending statutes, installment loan laws, and much more!

Call No.: SELF HELP NCLC KF 1040 .C37 2025

Repossession, 2025 Edition

This new edition includes every aspect of motor vehicle, manufactured home, and household goods repossessions and deficiency claims, and is the #1 resource on consumer repossessions. The book contains a detailed chapter on types of defenses to a deficiency lawsuit, a chapter on affirmative consumer claims and counterclaims, standing issues in federal and state courts, and also includes sample pleadings and discovery.

Call no.: SELF HELP NCLC KF 1058 .S54 2025

Gibber on Estate Administration, 8th Edition

The new edition of Gibber on Estate Administration is a practical guide for navigating probate and is considered the most accurate resource for lawyers handling decedents’ estates. The updated edition includes step-by-step procedural guidance, offers comprehensive checklists, helpful forms, and valuable suggestions.

This new edition of Gibber on Estate Administration covers important changes in the following:

  • Updated Maryland Estate Tax Regime
  • Creation of Registered Domestic Partnerships
  • Transfers on Death for LLCs and Partnerships
  • Firearms in Estates
  • Posthumous Conception
  • Electronic Signatures & Filing
  • Updated Fees for Foreign Personal Representatives

Call No.: KFM 1347 .G5 2025

Maryland Litigation Forms and Analysis, 2025 ed.

Maryland Litigation Forms and Analysis provides plaintiffs’ and defendants’ counsel pleading and practice forms for use in civil actions in Maryland. The volume set includes:

  • More than 1,000 letters, motions, briefs, affidavits, orders, and related forms
  • Practice tips that offer valuable insights for adapting the forms to certain circumstances
  • Essential information on the correct use and timing of specific forms
  • Cross-references to other publications

Call No.: KFM 1730.A65 M372 202

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono

AABA President’s Pro Bono Award

Jack Paltell, a Lawyer in the Library volunteer, received the Anne Arundel Bar Association President’s Pro Bono Award from AABA president, Laura Burnett, at the AABA Annual Meeting on June 9, 2025. Jack has been a dedicated volunteer for the Lawyer in the Library program since its inception. He participated in the pilot program during Law Week in 2009 and has faithfully served as the Lawyer in the Library on the first Wednesday of every month since January 2010. 

Jack Paltell receiving Pro Bono Award from AABA President, Laura Burnell

Jack’s unwavering dedication over more than a decade has been instrumental in sustaining the Lawyer in the Library program. Clients who have sought help through the program consistently express their appreciation for Jack’s compassion, patience, and good humor. His ability to connect with individuals in need and provide clear, thoughtful guidance has made a meaningful difference in the lives of many Anne Arundel County residents. 

The Ask a Lawyer in the Library program is a civil, non-family law, brief legal advice program held every Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The program is sponsored by the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service.  hosted by the Anne Arundel County Public Library and coordinated by the Anne Arundel County Public Law Library.  There is online registration for 20-minute sessions with a volunteer attorney. All sessions are held remotely via Zoom videoconferencing or phone. More information can be found here.  

Ten attorneys assisted 128 clients in FY2025 providing a total of 70 pro bono hours.  Steve Migdal and Jack Paltell provided the most hours last year – 26 hours for Steve and 16 hours for Jack. 

Attorneys assisted with a wide range of legal issues including wills, probate, power of attorney, employment, housing, foreclosure, debt neighbor disputes and administrative appeals. 

The following attorneys volunteered as Lawyers in the Library last year: 

Cliff O’Connor Jack Paltell 
Jennifer Jones Jennifer Henriquez 
Jerry (Jay) Williams John Lynch 
Michael Von Sas Patrice Clarke 
Saul McCormick Steve Migdal 

The law library is very appreciative of the time they have given to this program. 

Anne Arundel County attorneys are encouraged to volunteer for the Lawyer in the Library program by contacting the law library at 410-222-1387 or AALawLibrarian@mdcourts.gov. 

Other pro bono opportunities include the following: 

  • Anne Arundel Community College Legal Self-Help Clinic Held weekly on Monday from 5-7 p.m. and on Tuesday 2-4 p.m. (Closes when AACC is not in session – reopens 8/15/2025.) Careers Center, Room 173, Anne Arundel Community College, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012 . Contact Lonni Kyhos Summers @ 410-777-2936 or LKSummers@aacc.edu 
  • Family Law Skills and Study Group – Take a pro bono family law case and meet with the group to learn more and exchange ideas with experienced family law attorney mentors.  Contact: Tasnima Apol at tapol@apollaw.com  
  • YWCA Legal Services:  Intimate partner protective order petition cases in Anne Arundel County, serving in both the District and Circuit Courts - volunteer in the legal department or as an advocate. Contact:  410-626-7800.  
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lawlibrary Self Represented

Access to NCLC Resources: Landlord-Tenant Law  

The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) is known for consumer‑law resources, but did you know it also offers practice manuals available in its Digital Library?

What the Landlord‑Tenant Resources Cover 

  •  National Housing Law Project’s HUD Housing Programs: Tenants’ Rights— A standard guide to understanding HUD housing programs.
  • Access to Utility Service (NCLC) — Covers landlord-tenant problems related to gas, electric, or water utilities, including terminations, excess charges, affordability, access, and security deposits. Also has a chapter on tenant strategies for maintaining service when landlords are unable or unwilling to pay the utility bill for the whole building.  
  • Surviving Debt- Chapter 20 (NCLC) — Eviction response and strategies for lease exit with minimal cost; authored by a Housing Law Project attorney.  
  • Fair Credit Reporting (NCLC) — Tenant rights related to inaccuracies in screening and eviction reports, as well as how to keep inaccuracies out of credit reports. 
  • Collection Actions § 12.2 (NCLC) — Analysis of challenges that come up rent‑debt collection, junk fees, and discrepancies from security deposits. Integrates with Fair Debt Collection Practices, see § 7.4.12. 
  • Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Practice, Chapter 18, also see § 18.8 — Tenant protections when landlord files for bankruptcy.  
  • Repossessions § 15.7.4 and UDAP § 8.2.8.4 (NCLC) — Tenant rights when personal property is seized or warehoused; remedies under state unfair‑deceptive acts statutes.  
  • Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices and §§ 2.2.6 & 8.2 — Broad remedies for deceptive landlord behavior under state UDAP laws.  
  • Federal Practice Manual for Legal Aid Attorneys — ideal for when landlord‑tenant cases cross over into federal court. Helpful in actions against a landlord or housing agency.  
  • NCLC Consumer Class Actions— critical resource for new and experienced class actions exploring any subject area. 
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lawlibrary

Maryland Benefits: One Application, Many Possibilities

Navigating public assistance just got easier for Maryland residents. Whether you’re seeking help with food, medical care, energy bills, or other essential services, the new Maryland Benefits platform brings it all together — in one simple application.

What is Maryland Benefits?

Maryland Benefits is a new online platform created by Maryland Department of Human Services that allows residents to apply for multiple government assistance benefits programs at once. Instead of filling out separate forms for each program, you can now submit one application to be considered for a range of services you may qualify for.

What Programs Can you Apply For?

With the Maryland Benefits application, you can potentially qualify for:

  • Food Assistance (SNAP)
  • Medical Coverage (Medicaid)
  • Cash Assistance
  • Child Care Subsidy
  • Housing Assistance
  • And more…

With this platform you will be able to connect to the right programs based on the information you provide.

How Does It Work?

  1. Visit marylandbenefits.gov
  2. Create an account or log in.
  3. Fill out and complete application.
  4. Submit your application.

Who Can Apply?

Any Maryland resident who needs help with basic needs — regardless of age or employment status — can use the platform to explore available benefits.

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lawlibrary

What’s New…

New editions have arrived at the Anne Arundel County Public law Library!

Lexis Nexis’ Maryland Rules Commentary– 2024 edition

Maryland Rules Commentary volumes are an annotated collection of the Maryland circuit court rules by the framers who actually drafted and amended them. Expert commentary and legal analysis, historical notes, cross-references to associated rules, and relevant citations to legal authority are included in this edition that’ll help you navigate through Maryland ‘s civil court system.

Call No.: KFM 1729.5.M37 .N5 2024 c.1 and KFM 1729.5.M37 .N5 2024 c.2

The following titles are also available:

LexisNexis’ Maryland Motor Vehicle Insurance

Maryland Motor Vehicle Insurance, written by Andrew Janquitto, lawyer and insurance specialist, provides a breakdown of Maryland’s statutory law and the state’s uncommon insurance program as well as many provisions unique to the state.

Call No.: KFM 1391.A4 J34 2025

LexisNexis’ Maryland Criminal Jury instructions and commentary

The Maryland Criminal Jury instructions and commentary set contains over 290 pattern jury instructions with detailed commentary explaining the complexities of Maryland criminal law as well as applicable federal constitutional decisions. Additionally, the set includes jury instructions on the evaluation of evidence useful in both criminal and civil cases.

Call No.: KFM 1783 .A92 2024

New from the Maryland State Bar Association!

The library has also acquired a new edition of Finality of Judgments and Other Appellate Trigger Issues from the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA).

The 2025 edition of Finality of Judgments and Other Appellate Trigger Issues, is a guide for practitioners about the timing of appeals, primarily about appeals in civil cases from the circuit courts to the Court of Special Appeals. This book provides “an annotated and enhanced version of the author’s research on the fundamental questions of the finality and appealability of judgments and orders. This authoritative text explains the nature of appellate jurisdiction in Maryland, the final judgment rule and its requirements, the effect of an improper interlocutory appeal, exceptions to the final judgment rule such as the collateral order doctrine and Rule 2-602(b), and related issues of in banc review and writs of mandamus and prohibition”.

Call No.: KFM 1755 .A97 2025

New from LexisNexis’ and Maryland Association of Boards of Education’s (MABE)!

Maryland School Law Deskbook and Maryland School Laws and Regulations Annotated Set

The Maryland School Law Deskbook is the only education law reference of its kind in the state. Written by experienced education law attorneys, this 2024-2025 school year edition offers current and authoritative information on legal issues facing schools within the context of state and federal education law.

Call No.: KFM1590 .M38 2024-2025

Maryland School Laws and Regulations Annotated provides access to a collection of education-related statutes. This latest publication offers quick reference to important statutes contained in the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as well as other Articles such as Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Election Law, Family Law, Health, Public Safety and more. In addition, the publication offers comprehensive coverage of Title 13A of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).

Call No.: KFM1590 .A29 M37 2024-2025

Categories
lawlibrary

What’s New…

New editions have arrived at the Anne Arundel County Public law Library!

Maryland Rules of Court – State and Federal, 2025 ed. (Vols. I & II)

From Thomson Reuters, a new edition of Maryland Court Rules–State and Federal (Volumes I and II) have been added to our shelves.

The new volumes provide the rules of court needed to practice before the state and federal courts of Maryland. Volume I includes state rules of court such as Circuit Court and District Court—Civil Procedure, criminal causes, and evidence. Volume II includes federal rules of curt such as Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Forms, Federal Rules of Evidence, Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and Forms, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit Rules, Rules of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Local Bankruptcy Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland, Rules of Procedure of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, and much more.

Lexis Nexis’ Maryland Estate Planning, Will drafting, and Estate Administration forms

Call No.: KFM 1340 .A65 B37 1995

A 2024 edition and new release of the Maryland Estate Planning, Will drafting, and Estate Administration forms has arrived. The Maryland Estate Planning, Will drafting, and Estate Administration forms with practice commentary features clear and concise analysis put together by estate planning experts as well as a comprehensive collection of practice-tested legal forms that can be used to meet the needs of clients. This release includes updates in the following listed areas: estate planning basics, acquisition of necessary data, non-probate assets, powers of attorney, pre-probate planning, income-shifting devices, irrevocable and revocable trusts, complex wills and much more.

LexisNexis’ Maryland Civil Procedure forms

A 2024 fourth edition and new release of the Maryland Civil Procedure forms is now available in the law library. This new edition has been constructed with the intent to assist civil trial attorneys and provide brief and clear examples of pleadings and papers that follow the latest Rules changes and up to date court interpretations of the Rules. The new edition includes the following: updated civil practice forms to conform to Rules changes and case law developments, up-to-date explanations on statutory and Rules changes presiding over current practice in the Maryland Courts, and extensive case law annotations of the Rules.

Call No.: KFM 1730 .A65 K64 2000

The following title is also available:

LexisNexis Practice Guide: Maryland Contract Litigations

A 2025 edition of Maryland Contract Litigations is available to view at the law library. “Maryland Contract Litigation guides you through claims, defenses, and other issues that arise in an action involving contract claims. The guide simplifies the process of litigating a contract case by identifying essential elements and setting them out in an easy to understand way. Insights from Maryland experts are reflected throughout, with practice tips targeting issues of particular interest.”

Call No.: KFM 1351 .L5 2025

New from the Maryland State Bar Associations!

The library has added two new editions from the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA).

The 2024 edition of Guide to Maryland Courts, is “an all-in-one compilation of logistical information you need to know when preparing to appear or attend court in state, county, and federal courts across Maryland. An essential resource for experienced Maryland attorneys, new lawyers, and attorneys from out of state, the Guide to Maryland Courts includes a high-level overview of the structure of Maryland’s judiciary before moving on to jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction breakdown of: contact information for key personnel, security protocols, including processes and prohibited items, courthouse and courtroom technology available, accommodations and accessibility, local Rules, parking, and notes differentiated case management plans where available.”

Call No.: KFM 1710 .G85 2024

Maryland Postconviction Law: A Comprehensive Guide

First edition of Maryland Postconviction Law: A Comprehensive Guide is now available at the law library. This 2024 edition is a guide meant to assist with complex postconviction legal framework in Maryland and contains the following key features: detailed roadmap for attorneys, habeas corpus & coram nobis, probation, parole & pardons, and immigration consequences.

Call No.: KFM 1747 .C37 2024

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lawlibrary

A Quick Guide to Locating Executive Orders

The Federal Register is a daily gazette published by the National Archives and Records Administration that contains executive orders, proposed rules and regulations, public notices, as well as notices of hearings, decisions, and investigations.

To find executive orders, go to Federalregister.gov, hover over the Browse tab with the view icon and select Presidential Documents.

Or, for a faster way to locate executive orders click on the link listed here–https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders. In here, you will find a list of executive orders signed by each President. You can select to view all executive orders that have been signed since 1937 or you can browse by President and year from the list provided on their site. You will also find the Executive Order Disposition Tables, which show what year executive orders have been signed by each President and how many executive orders have been signed per year.

To view recent executive orders–https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders/donald-trump/2025

Categories
lawlibrary

What’s New…

New from the Maryland State Bar Association!

The library has added new editions on the shelf from the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA).

Civil Pre-Trial Practice, includes guidance with topics such as handling a lawsuit, legal research, service of process, discovery, settlement negotiations, pre-trial motions, and trial preparation. This edition includes changes to rules governing topics like discovery, mediation and settlement conferences, and electronic filings. It also includes new practice tips and updated case law, statutes, and rules.

In this new edition of Workers’ Compensation Manual, the authors have included practice tips, case references, statutes, regulations, forms, and rate tables. In addition, they’ve added clear and concise explanations of substantive law.

Call No.: KFM 1730 .D59 2024 Call No.: KFM 1542 .A62 W67 2024

The following titles are also available:

LexisNexis Practice Guide: Maryland Environmental Law

“LexisNexis Practice Guide: Maryland Environmental Law  provides a handy reference to both Maryland’s environmental laws and the state’s regulatory obligation to comply with applicable federal laws. The guide is designed to address regulatory provisions related to programs overseen by the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It examines rule making, permitting and enforcement issues. and Clean Water Act. The guide also points out areas where the State environmental laws are implemented primarily at the local level.”

Call No.: KFM 1554 .A15 2024

Maryland Summary Judgment and Related Termination Motions, 2024-2025 ed. (Vol. 9, Maryland Practice Series)

Maryland Summary Judgment and Related Termination Motions provides practice tips and ready-to-use citations for supporting and opposing motions, plus fully briefed sample motions for quickly creating pretrial motions. Additionally, it:

  • Provides definitive coverage of summary judgment motions, invaluable for counsel seeking to end a case before trial.
  • Provides a useful resource for attorneys who know the authorities they want and who need to find them fast.

Call No.: 1746 .S8 M37 2024-2025

Maryland DUI Law, 2024-2025 ed. (Vol. 8, Maryland Practice Series)

Maryland DUI Law provides guidance through a DUI case in Maryland, from the initial traffic stop and first client contact through administrative hearings, the trial, and the appeals process. In addition, this volume includes a chapter on the federal DUI, as well as appendixes containing relevant statutes, rules and regulations, and forms.

Call No.: KFM 1497.8 .S73 2024-2025